MedDataToolSulfamethoxazole
Generic: Sulfamethoxazole And Trimethoprim
Sulfonamides✓ FDA-verified
View full FDA label ↗Sulfamethoxazole is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria, including urinary tract infections, ear infections in children, and pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. It works by stopping bacteria from making essential nutrients they need to grow and multiply. Typically, adults take one double-strength tablet or two regular tablets every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days, depending on the infection, while children’s doses are based on their weight. It's important to know that this medication should not be used in infants under 2 months old or in people who are allergic to sulfonamides. Additionally, it should not be taken with leucovorin, as this combination can lead to treatment failure in patients with certain types of pneumonia.
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Uses
- Urinary tract infections.
- Acute otitis media in children.
- Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
- Shigellosis.
- Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.
- Traveler's diarrhea in adults.
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Dosage
Adults: 1 double strength tablet or 2 tablets every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days for urinary tract infections.
Children: 40 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg trimethoprim per 24 hours, given in two doses every 12 hours for 10 days.
Adults: 1 double strength tablet or 2 tablets every 12 hours for 14 days for bronchitis.
Adults: 1 double strength tablet or 2 tablets every 12 hours for 5 days for traveler's diarrhea.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
Nauseavomitingloss of appetiterashurticariaStevens-Johnson syndrome
Serious
toxic epidermal necrolysisagranulocytosisaplastic anemia
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Not for use in children under 2 months.
- May cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.
- Discontinue at first sign of rash or allergic reaction.
- Can cause severe blood disorders.
- Monitor for respiratory reactions like cough and shortness of breath.
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Drug interactions
- Warfarinmay prolong blood clotting timeCaution
- Phenytoinmay increase phenytoin levelsCaution
- Methotrexatemay increase free methotrexate concentrationsCaution
- Digoxinmay increase digoxin blood levelsCaution
- Cyclospironemay cause nephrotoxicity.Caution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).